Welcome
A welcome message from our President, Sheila Frierson, and a look at what you can expect from our ESPP Educational Symposium over the next two days.
What is an ESPP and why should you offer one?
During this session we highlight the importance of offering an ESPP. Learn the benefits and reasons why both employers and participants find these plans so attractive, and how ESPPs play an integral role in a company’s overall benefits structure. Fundamental concepts will be introduced for both US and Canadian plans, along with common features, regardless of jurisdiction. Terminology such as qualified versus non-qualified plans, offering periods, discounts, and look backs will be demystified, and an introduction on how ESPPs function within a corporate environment will be provided. At the conclusion of this session, symposium participants will be fully prepared to take on the advanced sessions that follow.
Designing an ESPP
This session provides specifics on the best approach to designing an ESPP, along with rolling out a plan globally. Learn how to design a plan that fits your corporate goals and is attractive to your participants, and understand the nuances of different plan types. We will share statistics from both the US and Canadian markets, offering a perspective on plan types and features used by the broader market. Plan design is further explored for companies looking to extend their ESPP to a global audience. Various considerations will be reviewed, including securities laws and tax implications. The session wraps-up by providing a framework for implementing a plan and ensuring that it meets your overall goals.
ESPP trends: A look at the Global Equity Insights Survey (GEIS)
The Global Equity Insights Survey (GEIS) is a unique study that continues to deliver findings on the best in market practice from a robust selection of global companies. Computershare is a founding sponsor of this research that has been building for the past 11 years. During this session we will specifically dig into results pertaining to questions regarding Employee Stock Purchase Plans. Sheila Frierson, President of our North America Employee Share Plans business, will share key insights on these results, combining her nearly 18 years’ experience in this industry and rich data from Computershare’s client base.
Special panel discussion: ESPP benefits, challenges, and successes
Our special panel will provide an engaging conversation on why companies should offer an ESPP, best practices, challenges along the way, success stories, and how to ensure that your plan is the best it can be! Join us, for a lively and insightful discussion with The Home Depot, Neighbourly Pharmacy, and Butterfield.
Closing thoughts
A brief message from our President, Sheila Frierson.
Intro to day two
An introduction message to day two of our ESPP Educational Symposium, from our President, Sheila Frierson.
Road to launching an ESPP & beyond
The journey to launching an ESPP will begin with a high-level overview of key topics from our Day 1 sessions. We will then review the shareholder approval process, along with factors to consider when choosing a provider to manage your Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Key areas of implementing a plan and establishing a communications campaign will also be examined. Once a plan is in place, what happens next? A deep dive into plan management will provide all the answers.
Accounting treatment of ESPPs and how redesigns affect expense
We’ll break down the accounting associated with ESPPs, with a primary focus on tax qualified plans. Accounting fundamentals and the methodology used to value a plan will be reviewed. The impact of discount rate changes and the effect on expensing will be covered at length, while also highlighting how such changes can make a plan more attractive to your participants and increase overall participation. We’ll close out the session with some best practices and summarize the key takeaways from an accounting perspective.
Special panel discussion: Real life stories of ESPP expansion
Join our special panel session with Ecolab, Infinite Equity, and TELUS International, as they provide first-hand accounts of their experiences expanding employee share plans across multiple jurisdictions. Strategies, pitfalls, and best practices will be revealed. A perfect session for anyone currently in the process of growing their ESPP, or potentially looking to do so in the future.
ESPP Educational Symposium wrap-up
Some final thoughts on our two-day ESPP Educational Symposium, from our President, Sheila Frierson.